Reviewer's Choice

'Sports Illustrated' is an American sports media franchise owned by media conglomerate Time
Warner. Its self-titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults
each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one
million to win the National Magazine Award for General Excellence twice. Its swimsuit issue,
which has been published since 1964, is now an annual publishing event that generates its own
television shows and videos. A 304 page coffee table art book, "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: 50
Years Of Beautiful" is compiled by the editorial staff of Sports Illustrated magazine and
showcases five decades of the best images the made up their single most popular annual issue
featuring incredibly beautiful women in provocatively scanty swimsuit attire. These are iconic
images of feminine beauty and often included images of female sports stars ranging from Serena
Williams to Anna Kournikova. Of special note are the first-time-in-print photo outtakes and
candid shots. Organized chronologically and featuring a pictorial index of all 223 models,
"Sports Illustrated Swimsuit" is a wonderful browse and highly recommended to fans of lovely
women in truly memorable, full color, swimsuit photos.

Some animals are carnivores deriving their sustenance from the flesh of other animals. Some
animals are herbivores deriving their sustenance from plants. Humans are biological omnivores.
We evolved to derive our energy and nutrients from a diet consisting of a variety of sources that
include both plants and animals. So it could be considered odd in some circles for people to
choose to be vegetarians or vegans and eschew the consumption of any kind of animal flesh.
"Mind If I Order the Cheeseburger?: And Other Questions People Ask Vegans" by vegan Sherry
F. Colb is a 256 page compendium comprised of an accessible, detailed case illustrated and
logic-based explanations for a number of commonly encountered questions about veganism,
ranging from its compatibility with respect to the major religions, why veganism is to be
preferred to vegetarianism, and more. "Mind If I Order the Cheeseburger?: And Other Questions
People Ask Vegans" is very highly recommended reading, especially for anyone considering a
vegan diet or those non-vegans wanting to understand the rationale of their vegan friends or
family members. An especially commended acquisition for community library Health/Medicine
collections, it should also be noted that "Mind If I Order the Cheeseburger?: And Other
Questions People Ask Vegans" is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.49).

Survival Guide to Edible Insects lives up to its title as a no-nonsense guide to identifying and
preparing insects for human consumption. In a life-or-death situation, knowing how to live off of
insects is a valuable survival skill - yet in today's increasingly populous world, insect cuisine may
be key to feeding humanity, since insects are ubiquitous, nutritious, and generally not as
deleterious to their environment as domestic cattle, sheep, pigs, or chickens. Survival Guide to
Edible Insects does not detail the full roster of 1,462 edible insects eaten regularly by people of
3,000+ ethnic groups, but rather concentrates on the most common and easily identified species.
Some (such as the common housefly) are known to carry deadly pathogens and must be cooked
to the point of total sterilization if they are to be consumed at all, but others (such as the
dragonfly) can simply be roasted. Black-and-white photographs and a number of insect recipes
enhance this ultimate supplement to wilderness survival guides!

The Poetry Shelf

Very highly recommended and rewarding reading, "Reduced To Joy" is a 208 page anthology of
the free verse poetry of author Mark Nepo ("The Book of Awakening") and showcases his ability
to deftly create thoughtful, meditative, and occasionally inspiring poems on the theme of
accepting and working with what we have in our pursuit of happiness, contentment, and
satisfaction. 'Another Patience': I wonder if flowers know fear, / If they sense a storm is coming /
or if the deer will eat them? Or / if like a sage having exhausted / his humanity, the flower knows
/ that either way, broken or eaten, / the glow releases is the same. / But I'm not a sage or a flower.
/ Teach me.

The Language Studies Shelf

With its variety of Native American tribes and its long history of immigrant migrations,
Wisconsin hosts one of the most linguistically diverse populations of any state in the nation.
Compiled by the editorial team of linguistic experts and academicians Thomas Purnell, Eric
Raimy, and Joseph Salmons, "Wisconsin Talk: Linguistic Diversity in the Badger State" is a 196
page compendium comprised of ten erudite articles of original scholarship and touching upon
words that are distinctive to Wisconsin's citizenry, examples of how generations of immigrants
negotiated cultural and linguistic challenges, the bilingual enrichment of Wisconsin
communities, and how Wisconsin maps convey the stories of language. Of special note is the
information about Wisconsin's Native American languages to aboriginal language loss
throughout the world. Very highly recommended for Wisconsin school, community, and
academic library Language Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists. It should
be noted that "Wisconsin Talk: Linguistic Diversity in the Badger State" is also available in a
Kindle edition ($14.99).

One of the principle reasons given for visiting one of America's national parks is the opportunity
and possibility of observing wildlife in their natural habitat. This flexbound edition of "Wildlife
Watching in America's National Parks: A Seasonal Guide" is ideal as a carry-along guide to
enhance the national park experience. The collaborative effort of wildlife experts Gary W.
Vequist and Daniel S. Licht, "Wildlife Watching In America's National Parks" is a 244 page
compendium nicely organized into by the four seasons: Spring (Mary/April/May); Summer
(June/July/August); Fall (September/October/November); and Winter
(December/January/February). The dozens and dozens of national parks covered range from the
Grand Teton National Park, to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, to the Effigy Mounds
National Memorial. Profusely illustrated, informed and informative, and thoroughly 'reader
friendly' in organization and presentation, "Wildlife Watching In America's National Parks" is
highly recommended for personal, family, and community library collections. It should be noted
that "Wildlife Watching In America's National Parks" is also available in a Kindle edition
($18.15).

The Christian Studies Shelf

Now in its seventh edition, Anatomy of the New Testament is a textbook that applies both
historical and literary approaches to understanding the structure and meaning of the Biblical New
Testament. Full-color maps, charts, and images intersperse the thoughtful, meticulous, yet
accessible text. "The Book of Revelation was probably written during a period of crisis in the
church, occasioned by the Roman government's active opposition. Tradition ascribes its message
of resistance and hope in times of persecution to the reign of the Emperor Domitian, near the
close of the first century (Eusebius, Ecclesiatical History, 3.18.3, citing Ignatius)." An excellent
resource for classroom use, individual scholarship, or Bible study workshops, Anatomy of the
New Testament is highly recommended.

Yahweh of the Old Testament is perceived by many contemporary Christians as a violent, cruel,
ruthless, even genocidal deity with such examples as the sacrifice of Jeptha's daughter, the
slaughter of the Cannanites by the Israelites, the divine killing of the first-born sons of all the
Egyptians in the pursuit of the goal of freeing the Israelites from Egyptian rule, and so many
more examples of blood and death in the name of the God of the Old Testament. "Dark God:
Cruelty, Sex, and Violence in the Old Testament " by Thomas Romer (Old Testament, Faculty of
Theology and Science of Religion, Lausanne University) was specifically written to counter this
misleading perception and to show that the commandments of a seemingly vengeful god were in
truth and in fact designed to preserve Israelite faith from dogmatic complacency with the
realization that He was intensely engaged in the lives of his chosen people and of all mankind to
their ultimate betterment. Of special note is the chapter addressing the issue of whether God is
sanctimonious and human begins sinners. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Dark God:
Cruelty, Sex, and Violence in the Old Testament " is highly recommended and instructive
reading for clergy, as well as non-specialist general readers within the Roman Catholic Christian
community.

Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) is the 266th and current Pope of the
Catholic Church having been elected Bishop of Rome. He is thereby also the Sovereign of
Vatican City. Born in Buenos Aires as the son of Italian parents, Bergoglio worked briefly as a
chemical technician before entering seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1969. From 1973 to
1979 he was Argentina's Provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He became Archbishop of
Buenos Aires in 1998, and a cardinal in 2001. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in
February 2013, on 13 March 2013 the papal conclave elected Bergoglio, who chose the papal
name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first pope
from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout his life, both as an
individual and a religious leader, Bergoglio has been noted for his humility, his concern for the
poor, and his commitment to dialogue as a way to build bridges between people of all
backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths. He is known for having a simpler and less formal approach to
the papacy, most notably by choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather
than the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace formerly used by his predecessors. In addition,
he is known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, by starting to refuse the
traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election. The collaborative work of Stefan von Kempis
(Editor of Vatican Radio) and Philip F. Lawler (Editor of Catholic World News), "A Call to
Serve: Pope Francis and the Catholic Future" is a 160 page compendium providing interested
readers with a profusely illustrated and personal story of Pope Francis -- and in that telling
reveals background details of his unprecedented papal election. Drawn from conversations,
interviews, insider information, and Pope Francis own writings, "A Call to Serve: Pope Francis
and the Catholic Future" is very highly recommended reading for Catholics and non-Catholics
alike!

The Judaic Studies Shelf

20th Century Judaism has known its fair share of accomplished, respected, and influential rabbis.
"A Brand Plucked from the Fire: The Life of Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman" is the definitive, 660
page biography of the remarkable life and accomplishments of one of the most notable of them.
Although his life at age 97 is not yet complete, this definitive account of that life will serve as an
admirable testament to what one man was able to accomplish in service to his community and his
people. Of special note is Rabbi Schaalman's friendship with Chicago's Catholic Archbishop
Joseph Bernardin. A friendship so close that the Archbishop asked the Rabbi to speak at the
Archbishop's funeral -- that occasion the first time in history for such an event to occur. Informed
and informative, inspired and inspiring, "A Brand Plucked from the Fire: The Life of Rabbi
Herman E. Schaalman" is highly recommended reading and a welcome addition to community
and academic library 20th Century Judaic Studies reference collections and supplemental reading
lists.

The Buddhist Studies Shelf

It is common knowledge that Native American cultures revered the Earth and felt an innate
responsibility to live in harmony with the natural world. What is less well known by most
Americans is that Buddhists feel that same moral imperative. "Love Letter To The Earth" by
Buddhist teacher and author Thich Nhat Hanh is a 120 page compendium arguing from a
Buddhist perspective that the problem with contemporary western capitalist cultures such as
America is the notion that we humans are separate and apart from nature. Quiet the contrary,
"Love Letter To The Earth" persuasively holds that our personal and collective happiness and
well being are integrally dependent on the health of the planet, the soundness of the ecosystems
that comprise our world, and the necessity of a mindfulness-based spirituality in order to limit the
damage we inflict upon the world we to which we are so dependent. Articulate and thoroughly
'reader friendly', "Love Letter To The Earth" is highly recommended reading, especially for
non-specialist general readers with an interest in environmental issues and in Buddhist
thought.

Noriyuki Ueda is a cultural anthropologist who undertook a two-day conversation with the Dalai
Lama. "The Dalai Lama on What Matters Most: Conversations on Anger, Compassion, and
Action" is a 336 page, compact and pocket-portable compendium comprised of succinct extracts
from their dialogue. This collection of observations and commentaries offers the reader a wealth
of practical and spiritual Buddhism-based wisdom that transcends the limiting boundaries of
contemporary ideologies, politics, and cultural biases. "It is important not to think of Buddhism
as a religion but as a science of the mind". As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and
thought-provoking, "The Dalai Lama on What Matters Most: Conversations on Anger,
Compassion, and Action" should be considered mandatory reading for all students of Buddhist
philosophy. It should be noted that "The Dalai Lama on What Matters Most: Conversations on
Anger, Compassion, and Action" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.39).

The Self-Help Shelf

In "Creating Well-Being: Four Steps to a Happier, Healthier Life", clinical psychologist Pamela
Hays draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to write this 224 page instruction
manual that will enable the non-specialist general reader wanting to improve the quality of their
emotional and social life through the implementation of four basic 'user friendly' steps that begins
with tapping into hidden strengths and qualities, a recognition of the impact stress has upon the
mind-body relationship, how to counter negative thinking, and to take positive, effective action
with respect to improving our behavior, self-care, and social interactions. Insightful, astute,
practical, and accessible, "Creating Well-Being: Four Steps to a Happier, Healthier Life" is very
strongly recommended reading for anyone seeking personal self-improvement and would make
an enduringly popular addition to community library Self-Help instructional reference
collections.

Hayley Hobson is a mom, a wife, a yogi and a business pioneer. "Hayley Hobson's Hip Guide to
Creating Your Sexy & Abundant Life" offers an accessible look at a life in the fast lane that both
entertains and educates her readers. Hayley shares her unique take on relationships, spirituality
and relaxation and demonstrates balancing home-making tasks with a powerful exercise regimen
that can be emulated by anyone. Each chapter features various yoga poses, designed to relax and
rejuvenate you as your path unfolds. Enhanced throughout with beautiful full color photography
and an informative text, "Hayley Hobson's Hip Guide to Creating Your Sexy & Abundant Life"
is very highly recommended for personal and community library Self-Help reference collections
and supplemental reading lists.

The Green Intention: Living in Sustainable Joy is a personable, reader-friendly self-help guide to
cultivating one's compassion, and resolving one's innermost intentions to do good. Though
written from the perspective of learning to "think green" (i.e. environmentally friendly), its
transformative lessons can be applied to any issue in which the reader seeks to change
themselves for the better. Most specific techniques for reducing one's energy footprint are left to
other guides; The Green Intention is about setting one's heart on the right path, knowing that the
right actions will follow. "Sometimes when you take a break, you need to take care of our body.
However, other times, it may be your spirit, your creativity, or your relationships that need
attention. Sometimes we must go into meditation in order to get clear about what's being
neglected. When you meditate at a time like this, consider the question: What needs attention
right now in order to give my life balance?"

The Gaming Shelf

Whether located in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, on a Mississippi river boat or a Native American
reservation, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling
activities. The industry that deals in casinos is called the gaming industry. Casinos are most
commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other
tourist attractions. In the United States, many states are grappling with high unemployment and
budget deficits and are now turning to legalizing casinos, often in places that are not tourist
destinations. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events, such as
stand-up comedy, concerts, and sporting events. But the principle reason for visiting a casino is
to play blackjack, craps, slot machines, video poker machines, baccarat, roulette, keno, or to
participate in sports betting. Now in a newly updated edition, "Casino Games" by John Gollehon
is a 224 page compendium introducing all of these casino games to the novice player and to
provide insight and information that will provide an extraordinary and successful casino gaming
experience. Comprehensive, definitive, practical, and thoroughly 'user friendly', "Casino Games"
is a complete course of instruction in casino-based gaming and a very highly recommended
addition to personal and community library gaming collections.

The Graphic Novel Shelf

Eisner and Harvey nominated comic author Renaud Dillies presents Betty Blues, a full color
graphic novel featuring anthropomorphic characters searching for meaning in a complex and
difficult world. Little Rice Duck is a jazz musician by trade; he loves his girlfriend Betty, but
also devotes himself heavily to his music - perhaps too heavily. Feeling neglected, Betty becomes
entranced by the attention of a wealthy tycoon who sees her as a potential conquest. Each of them
eventually realizes the painful consequences of their mistakes - but will it be too late? The
shaded art complements this universal story of love, regret, and lingering hope. Betty Blues is
also available in various ebook formats: Apple (9781561637591), .pdf (9781561637607), Kindle
Fire (9781561637614), and Nook (9781561638925).

The Audiobook Shelf

Doctor Sleep is the unabridged audiobook rendition of Stephen King's sequel to his enormously
popular horror novel, The Shining. Dan Torrance, once a child with the precognitive gift of the
Shining, is now a middle-aged and works at a nursing home, where his talents (and a prescient
cat) aid him in bringing comfort to the dying, as "Doctor Sleep". Dan is part of an AA
community that helps him cope with the legacy of his father's alcoholism and abuse. But old
terrors rise anew when he befriends Abra Stone, a twelve-year-old girl strongly attuned with
psychic gifts. The True Knot, a loose paranormal organization that falsely appears to be nothing
more than older people living out of RVs, sustains its immortal members by slowly torturing
children such as Abra to death. Dan's desperate struggle to protect Abra escalates into a
soul-rending clash between good and evil, in this keenly suspenseful sequel to the terrifying epic
that captivated a generation. 16 CDs, 18.5 hours.

Superlatively performed by Broadway and film actor Tony Roberts, Doing Hard Time: A Stone
Barrington Novel is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of Stuart Woods' high-stakes tale of
murder and deceit. Stone Barrington's trip to Bel-Air to check on business and personal matters
turns dangerous, when a case he thought closed reappears to take a deadly toll. To survive, let
alone ferret out an unknown killer, Barrington must make the unlikeliest of alliances with a grey
operative who is all-but-invisible to whatever passes for law or justice. California's most lavish
excesses, from high-stakes poker tables to luxurious beachside resorts, are the stage for this
intense drama of life and death! 7 CDs, 8 1/2 hours.

The Good Father is an unabridged audiobook about difficult choices with no easy solutions.
Single father Travis Brown has been taking care of his daughter Bella for four years, ever since
he was nineteen. Their life has been difficult at times, but things take a turn for the worse when
Travis loses his construction job and his home. Desperate for work, he jumps at a job offer in
Raleigh... which turns out to be a criminal deception. Out of money, and out of options, must
Travis resort to accepting a Devil's bargain to provide for his beloved daughter? A complex tale
laced with the heartache, The Good Father is thought-provoking from beginning to end. 9 CDs,
10 1/2 hours.

Never Go Back is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of Lee Child's high-stakes adventure
following Jack Reacher, a former military cop with a strong adherence to the principles of justice
even amid the most chaotic and trying times. When Reacher travels across America to meet the
new commanding officer of his old unit, Major Susan Turner, he receives one unpleasant shock
after another. Turner is missing, and Reacher's name is on the line; he must stay ahead of not
only criminals, but also the army, the FBI, and the D.C. Metro police in search of the truth!
Superbly performed by multiple award-winning narrator Dick Hill, Never Go Back is knife-edge
suspense sure to enthrall fans of the genre! 11 CDs, 13 1/2 hours.

Good Kings Bad Kings is the unabridged audiobook rendition of playwright Susan Nussbaum's
prize-winning debut novel. Set in the ILLC, an institution for young people with disabilities on
Chicago's South Side, Good Kings Bad Kings follows young people struggling against
maltreatment and neglect. They connect with one another, resist their oppression, and change
through their friendships - and their love affairs. Vividly brought to life by a cast of seven
talented performers, Good Kings Bad Kings is a human saga about hope, highly recommended. 7
CDs, 7 1/2 hours.

The Ludwig Conspiracy is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a high-stakes thriller. When
rare book dealer Steven Lukas acquires a mysterious diary encoded by a close confidant of
Ludwig II, the Fairy-tale King of Bavaria, it kicks off a whirlwind of intrigue. Ruthless rivals
with no qualms about killing compete for the precious volume and its mysterious secrets! Art
detective Sara Lengfeld aids Lukas in his search to unravel the diary's riddles, all while being
hounded by ruthless thugs in this exciting adventure, superbly translated into English by Anthea
Bell and brought alive by the smooth performance of Simon Vance. 12 CDs, 13 1/4 hours.

A Seaside Christmas is the unabridged audiobook rendition of popular author Sherryl Woods'
heartwarming holiday novel. Songwriter Jenny Collins grew up more than a little lonely, as the
only child of a single mother; now that her mother has married into the loud (and somewhat
raucous) O'Brien family, she isn't sure how to adapt. Collins travels from her established
professional territory of Nashville to the shores of Chesapeake to collaborate on a Christmas
entertainment event. Trailing her is Caleb Green, the singer who once broke her heart. Caleb is
determined to reignite her love, and the O'Brien family welcomes her with enthusiasm, but can
the disjoin pieces of her past be reassembled into a brighter future? The depth of character and
storytelling adds to the festive sense of joy in this delightful holiday audiobook.

The story is pure Spider-Man action/adventure that has made him one of Marvel Comics most
popular characters. In "Spider-Man: Drowned In Thunder", J. Jonah Jameson, publisher of the
Daily Bugle, has denounced Spider-Man from the beginning, convincing New Yorkers to see him
as a criminal and a menace. But when a robot attack on Manhattan injures Peter Parker's students
and Jameson blames Spider-Man, their feud takes on a new, personal dimension. As the
embittered webslinger faces further robot attacks, each deadlier than the last, his spider-sense
warns that Jameson himself is behind them, possibly colluding with Electro, Alistaire Smythe, or
another of Spider-Man's mortal foes. Convinced that his worst critic has become a mortal enemy,
Spider-Man declares war on Jameson -- a war the publisher is eager to wage. But in their
relentless pursuit of victory, they both risk losing everything that matters to them -- and may both
fall victim to the cataclysmic secret behind the robots. GraphicAudio has created a premier audio
book experience by converting Christopher L. Bennet's superbly crafted novel into a dynamic
'theatre of the mind' experience. Enhanced with sound effects and music, the multi-cast
performance combined with flawless production values makes the 5 CD, five hour "Spider-Man:
Drowned In Thunder" very highly recommended for Spidey's legions of fans and will prove to be
an enduringly popular addition to community library audio book collections.

Highland Angel is the unabridged audiobook rendition of the seventh volume in Hannah
Howell's "Murray Family" series. Entrancingly performed by film, television, and theater actress
Angela Dawe, Highland Angel follows Sir Payton Murray and the beautiful Kirstie MacLye, who
was nearly murdered by her cruel and ruthless husband. Determined to bring her would-be killer
to terms for his many crimes, she beseeches Murray's help; he accedes, aware that her passion for
justice will not be denied. Adventure and amore fill this dramatic saga of a personal crusade
against a remorseless and powerful enemy! 9 CDs, 11 hours.

Galaxy Press is dedicated to keeping the literary works of L. Ron Hubbard available for new
generations of appreciative readers -- and with their audio book productions, new generations of
appreciative listeners as well! The twin hallmarks of a Galaxy Press audio book is their flawless
production values and their expert multi-cast performances. Among their latest releases are a
series of outstanding action/adventure thrillers that even after several decades from their original
appearances in the pulp magazines of the 30's, 40's, and 50's, still present an enormous
entertainment experience for a modern audience. Among these highly recommended releases for
personal and community library audio book collections are: "Golden Hell" (9781592122530,
$9.95); "Sky Birds Dare!" (9781592122318, $9.95); "Dead Men Kill" (9781592122504, $9.95);
"Loot Of The Shanung" (9781592123124, $9.95); "All Frontiers Are Jealous" (9781592123384,
$9.95); "Arctic Wings" ($9.95). Fans of pulp fiction brought vividly to life in expertly produced
productions, and community librarians seeking to build up their audio book collections with
enduringly popular titles, would be well advised to visit the Galaxy Press web site at
www.galaxypress.com for a complete listing of all their audio book productions of L. Ron
Hubbard pulp magazine era stories.

The Music CD Shelf

Madrid's native singer Rebeca Vallejo presents Azucar Canela, a Spanish-language album that
also draws upon the multifaceted legacy of jazz, Brazilian music, and joyous flamenco. The
result is work that celebrates Spanish history and culture, heady with nostalgia yet brightly
optimistic about the future. A joy to listen to, Azucar Canela ("Sugar Cinnamon") is
enthusiastically recommended for international music collections. The tracks are "El Ciego Sol",
"No Sabes", "Despertar", "Cravo e Canela", "Canicas", "Azucar, Canela", "Los Pilares de la
Tierra", "Sin Piedad", "Verde Sobre Azul", and "Lullaby".

California Dreaming is the debut album of tropical dance music from the energetic collective of
Afrolicious. Drawing upon the rich legacies of jazz and funk, California Dreaming is brimming
with love for feel-good nightlife, and the joy of losing oneself to the dance! The tracks are
"California Dreaming" (4:08), "Revolution" (4:06), "Never Let No One" (4:09), "Crazy" (5:33),
"Pleasuretime" (4:11), "Pleasure Power" (4:26), "Thursday Swing" (5:25), "Do What You Got
To" (5:23), "Foolin'" (4:21), and "Horizons" (5:17).

The DVD Shelf

With God On Our Side is a documentary that questions the theology and political aspirations of
Christian Zionism, which throws unquestioning support behind the Israeli government. But some
of Israel's policies cause injustice and suffering to its Palestinian citizens. Is there a Biblical way
to support Israel while also promoting peace and reconciliation for Jews and Palestinians alike?
Sober, thought-provoking, and directly addressing modern-day practical, moral, and theological
dilemmas, With God On Our Side is highly recommended especially for church DVD libraries. 1
hour 22 min., English and Arabic languages, English subtitles over Arabic dialogue,
widescreen.

Mister Scrooge to See You! is an original, imaginative DVD sequel to Charles Dickens' timeless
classic, "A Christmas Carol". Scrooge's holiday tale of greed, guidance and redemption is
well-known - but one year after his change of heart, the ghost of his business partner Jacob
Marley returns with another task at hand. Scrooge is sent on a journey 170 years into the future,
into a world beset with more greed than ever; it's Scrooge's appointed task to show the young,
ruthless businessman Timothy Cratchit VI the error of his ways, and teach him the true meaning
of Christmas! Veteran stage and television actor David Ruprecht brings the titular role of
Scrooge to life, in this heartwarming and family-friendly holiday tale. 115 min., optional English
subtitles, coded for all regions.

With Love... from the Age of Reason
A film by Yann Samuell with Marton Csokas
Starring Sophie Marceau
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213
New York, NY 10036
$24.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

With Love... from the Age of Reason is an absorbing movie on DVD about a woman a
crossroads. Margaret is a successful executive at a multinational construction firm. Her tightly
scheduled lifestyle, down to micromanaged time blocks set aside for sex with her partner, is
shaken when she receives a stack of letters that she wrote to her future self when she was seven
years old. "...I'm writing you this letter to help you remember the promises I made when I was 7,
and also to remind you of what I want to become..." Realizing that she misses the carefree
happiness and idealism of her youth, Margaret sets out for childhood home, on a search
reconnect with a side of herself long suppressed. A story of the pursuit of happiness and meaning
to one's life, even if it contrasts with mainstream pressures, With Love... from the Age of Reason
is heartfelt, touching, and highly recommended. 89 min., French with English subtitles.

Approaching Midnight is a dark movie blending elements of action and crime drama. Army staff
sergeant Wesley Kent returns to his small hometown after serving in Afghanistan, beset by
painful tragedies... his best friend died in the war, and his girlfriend Aspen perished in a car
accident while he was away. But when he tries to learn more about the accident that claimed her
life, he uncovers evidence of corruption, greed, and ruthlessness permeating the locality. Could
Aspen's father, the town Mayor aspiring to run for Governor, be at the center of the criminal
web? Edge-of-one's-seat suspense permeates Approaching Midnight, right up to the shocking
climax! Bonus features include a behind-the-scenes video journal, conversations with the cast
and crew, and more. 86 min., closed captioned, rated PG.

Line of Duty is a critically acclaimed British police drama; now, series one of the tensely plotted
and vividly characterized saga is available on DVD for the first time. The story is about Detective
Chief Inspector Tony Gates, and the suspicions that Superintendent Ted Hastings holds about
Gates' stellar track record. Gates has earned the loyalty of his teammates, and the best crime stats
of anyone on the force - but his success really legitimate? Could the rising star of the force be a
corrupt cop under the surface? Hastings conscripts new arrival Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott
to help uncover the truth, for good or for ill! Complex personalities drive this suspenseful show,
highly recommended especially for fans of quality British television. 5 episodes on 2 DVDs, 305
min., widescreen, SDH subtitles. Line of duty is not rated, but does contain coarse language and
disturbing images.

Certified yoga instructor Hilaria Baldwin presents Fit Mommy-to-Be Prenatal Yoga, a DVD of
three safe and proactive prenatal yoga workouts, designed especially for expectant mothers. The
workouts offer suggested modifications for each trimester, and each has a different focus: one
relieves back pain and develops the muscles responsible for good posture and alignment; one
helps mothers open their hips in preparation for childbirth; and one aids in the relief of stress.
Gentle exercise and activity throughout pregnancy is vital not only for good health, but also
easier childbirth; Fit Mommy-to-Be Prenatal Yoga is invaluable especially for soon-to-be
first-time mothers, and makes an excellent baby shower gift! 59 min. plus 5 min. bonus (partner
stretches, featuring Hilaria's celebrity husband Alec Baldwin).

Three new fitness DVDs from Anchor Bay Entertainment are readily accessible to viewers of all
backgrounds, especially those who are short on time. Pilates expert Elizabeth Ordway's "Targeted
Toning Pilates for Beginners" (65 min.) is part of the "Element" series of workouts, and consists
of three twenty-minute programs created to strengthen those muscles that are most difficult to
access, including the core, abs, and "seat lifters". A ten-minute "core strengthener" rounds out
this user-friendly, strength and grace-building workout. Leslie Sansone's "Walk to the Hits:
Radio Remixes" (48 min., www.walkathome.com), part of her "Just Walk" series, encourages the
viewer to get active to lively music. Her High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) method
alternates short bursts of high effort and periods of recovery, the better to stay burn more calories
in a compact time frame. Christine Bullock leads "10 Minute Solution: Butt Lift" (65 min.), part
of the excellent "10 Minute Solution" series perfect for squeezing into the busiest routines. The
short, mix-or-match sessions include exercises designed specifically to tighten one's rear; a
cardio "booty" camp; a standing workout that lifts the buns, a butt & thigh workout inspires by
ballet, yoga, and Pilates; High Intensity Interval Training for the glutes; and an "Amazing Abs"
bonus workout. All three DVDs are quality additions to enrich one's personal fitness library!

Three railroading DVDs from Pentrex continue their tradition of presenting the quality railroad
entertainment for train enthusiasts. "California Western Railroad" (1563423383, 1 hour) is a
narrated tour of the historic shortline headquartered in Northern California's Ft. Bragg, that winds
through a coastal mountain range on its journey to the town of Willitis. Filmed in 1991,
California Western Railroad takes the viewer on a scenic tour, using multiple special camera
perspectives for a "you-are-there" feel! "Eastern Quebec's Ore Lines Volume 1" (156342312X, 1
hour 20 min.) explores the Cartier, an Alco-powered railroad with long trains, and the Quebec
Iron & Titanium Romaine River Railway, one of the most remote railroads in North America.
Visits to locomotive and car shops, as well as the computerized dispatcher's office round out this
beautiful tour, complemented with descriptive narration. "Into the Allegheny Range Volume 4"
(1563423057, 4 hours on 2 DVDs) is an extensive scrutiny of the CSX's Sand Patch Grade in
western Pennsylvania, one of the most popular American sites among railroad fans. The narrated
journeys include a ride on a pusher engine, visits to obscure branch lines, and breathtaking
mountain scenery. All three make great gifts for railroad fans!

The Computer Shelf

Featuring clear, full-color screenshots complementing its instructions on virtually every page,
Easy Computer Basics Windows 8.1 Edition is a hands-on, no-nonsense instructional guide,
accessible to even the most neophyte of computer users. Written especially for those running a
personal computer with the Windows 8.1 operating system, chapters cover everything from
setting up one's PC and a wireless home network to using the new interface of windows 8.1,
personalizing Windows, Microsoft Word, learning the ropes of the Internet, communicating with
email, Facebook and other social networks, watching TV/movies/other media online,
safeguarding one's computer, and much more. "If you want to browse anonymously, without any
traces of your history recorded, activate IE's InPrivate Browsing mode on a new tab. Display the
Address bar and click the "three dot" (...) button, and then click New InPrivate Tab from the
pop-up menu." Easy Computer Basics 8.1 Edition deserves to be a "pack-in" manual for anyone
brand new to Windows 8.1!

Android is a Linux-based operating system designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices
such as smartphones and tablet computers. Initially developed by Android, Inc., which Google
backed financially and later bought in 2005, Android was unveiled in 2007 along with the
founding of the Open Handset Alliance: a consortium of hardware, software, and
telecommunication companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices. The first
Android-powered phone was sold in October 2008. Android is open source and Google releases
the code under the Apache License. This open-source code and permissive licensing allows the
software to be freely modified and distributed by device manufacturers, wireless carriers and
enthusiast developers. Additionally, Android has a large community of developers writing
applications ("apps") that extend the functionality of devices, written primarily in a customized
version of the Java programming language. In October 2012, there were approximately 700,000
apps available for Android, and the estimated number of applications downloaded from Google
Play, Android's primary app store, was 25 billion. A developer survey conducted in April - May
2013 found that Android is the most popular platform for developers, used by 71% of the mobile
developer population. "Murach's Android Programming" by Joel Murach is an accessibly written,
superbly organized, 702 page training manual that is as user friendly as it is informed and
informative. A complete course of instruction under one cover, "Murach's Android
Programming" is a very strongly recommended addition to personal, professional, and
community library technology instructional reference collections.

Ubuntu is an operating system based on the Linux kernel and the Linux distribution Debian, with
Unity as its default desktop environment. It is distributed as free and open source software. It is
named after the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu which often is translated as "the belief in
a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity". The collaborative effort of Ubuntu
computer language experts Kyle Rankin and Benjamin Mako Hill, "The Official Ubuntu Server
Book" is now in a newly updated and expanded third edition and continues to be the premier
instruction manual for launching, maintaining, and using this outstanding (and free) server
operating system. Absolutely user friendly and immediately accessible, "The Official Ubuntu
Server Book" offers a complete course of instruction including automate Ubuntu installs; and
deploying Ubuntu servers in the cloud. Comprehensive, informed and informative, "The Official
Ubuntu Server Book" is an extraordinary manual and highly recommended for personal,
professional, and academic library Computer Science reference collections. It should be noted
that "The Official Ubuntu Server Book" is also available in a Kindle edition ($19.79).

Python is a widely used general-purpose, high-level programming language. Its design
philosophy emphasizes code readability, and its syntax allows programmers to express concepts
in fewer lines of code than would be possible in languages such as C. The language provides
constructs intended to enable clear programs on both a small and large scale. "Python in Practice:
Create Better Programs Using Concurrency, Libraries, and Patterns" by Python computer
language expert Mark Summerfield is a 336 page instruction manual that emphasizes design
patters for coding elegance, faster processing through concurrency and compiled Python;
high-level networking, and graphics. Comprehensive, accessibly written, and taking an especially
'user friendly' approach, "Python in Practice: Create Better Programs Using Concurrency,
Libraries, and Patterns" will prove to be a welcome and enduringly valued addition to personal,
professional, and academic library Computer Science instructional reference collections. It
should be noted that "Python in Practice: Create Better Programs Using Concurrency, Libraries,
and Patterns" is also available in a Kindle edition ($17.27).

HTML5 is a markup language used for structuring and presenting content for the World Wide
Web and a core technology of the Internet. It is the fifth revision of the HTML and, as of
December 2012, is a candidate recommendation of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Its
core aims have been to improve the language with support for the latest multimedia while
keeping it easily readable by humans and consistently understood by computers and devices (web
browsers, parsers, etc.). HTML5 is intended to subsume not only HTML 4, but also XHTML 1
and DOM Level 2 HTML. "HTML5 Unleashed" by HTML5 expert Simon Sarris is a 432 page
instruction manual covering the creation of such key web components as the creation of web
apps and solutions for state-of-the-art media content and interactivity with new Audio, Video,
and Canvas elements. Deftly written, superbly organized and accessibly presented, "HTML5
Unleashed" is profusely illustrated and thoroughly 'user friendly'. Covering all the new HTML5
features, "HTML5 Unleashed" is an especially recommended guide for anyone upgrading from
previous HTML editions and a welcome addition to personal, professional, and academic library
Computer Science reference collections. It should be noted that "HTML5 Unleashed" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($19.79).

AutoCAD is a software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting -
available since 1982 as a desktop application and since 2010 as a mobile web- and cloud-based
app, currently marketed as AutoCAD 360. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, Inc.,
AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 - having been purchased a year prior in its
original form by Autodesk founder John Walker. The software is currently marketed in its
eighteenth generation. "AutoCAD 2014: Beginning and Intermediate" by certified AutoDesk
instructor Munir Hamad, is a 720 page compendium that provides a complete course of
instruction on using AutoCAD 2012 - 2D Drafting. Specifically designed for those new to
AutoCAD, "AutoCAD 2014: Beginning and Intermediate" is a complete course of illustrated
step-by-step instruction that includes more than one hundred 'mini-workshops'; an accompanying
DVD featuring drawings, practice and finished plots, 4-color figures, etc.; the use of both English
and metric units in examples, exercises, projects and descriptions; covers three full projects for
architectural and mechanical designs; and is a basic textbook for preparing to take AutoCAD
certification examinations. "AutoCAD 2014: Beginning and Intermediate" is very strongly
recommended for personal, professional, and academic library Computer Science reference
collections.

The Travel Shelf

The Civil War Lover's Guide to New York City lives up to its title as a detailed guide to the
monuments, historic sites, and landmark resources connected to the turbulent history of the
American Civil War. Though New York was a Northern state, its citizens voted against President
Abraham Lincoln twice, and the state was notably sympathetic to the South. Yet over the course
of the war, New York provided more men, equipment, and supplies to the Union than any other
city in the North. Striking, full-color photography on almost every page coupled with detailed
descriptions of each point of interest make The Civil War Lover's Guide to New York City as
appealing to armchair travelers as it is to vacationers with a keen interest in history!

The Needlecraft Shelf

Stephanie Dosen's 'Tiny Owl Knits', has quickly gained iconic status among knitters: her patterns
are brisk sellouts (at $5.50 per pattern) online, and she has been given feature coverage in both
mainstream and knitting magazines, including Bust, Handmade Living, Simply Knitting, and
Yarn Forward. Now she has gathered together and showcases the patterns for more than twenty
of her whimsical creations in "Woodland Knits", a 128 page, profusely illustrated compendium.
Along with descriptive instructions are the occasional 'tip' boxes. All in all, "Woodland Knits" is
thoroughly 'user friendly' and a very highly recommended addition to both novice and
experienced knitter instructional reference collections.

A quilt is a type of blanket, traditionally composed of 3 layers of fiber: a woven cloth top, a layer
of batting or wadding and a woven back, combined using the technique of quilting. A quilt is
distinguishable from other types of blankets because it is pieced together with several pieces of
cloth. "Thimbleberries Scrap Quilts" is a superbly illustrated, 80 page, instructional compendium
of scrap quilt projects that even the most novice of quilters can readily follow to produce
outstanding patchwork designs. Included are step-by-step designs for making throws, runners,
wallhangings, band pillows, and more. Each showcased quilting project includes fabrics and
supplies, patch creation and assembling, and full color pictures of the finished result. Thoroughly
'user friendly', "Thimbleberries Scrap Quilts" is very highly recommended for novice quilters and
has substantial value for even the more experienced needlecrafter.

Leather is one of the oldest 'fabrics' that humans learned to sew into form fitting garments and
bags. It is also one of the most difficult 'fabrics that a needlecrafter can work with. That's why
"Sewing Leather Accessories", an 80 page, superbly illustrated instruction guide will prove to be
an invaluable and enduringly appreciated addition to personal, professional, and community
library Needlecraft reference collections. Offering 'user friendly', do-it-yourself projects for
creating custom made leather belts, gloves and clutches, "Sewing Leather Accessories" begins
with a guide to working with leathers that includes adjusting patterns for leather, preparing both
natural and synthetic skins, various methods of cutting and marking, the basics for stitching
leathers, and specific techniques for zippers and buttonholes. The projects include a
double-buckle leather belt, a snakeskin belt with two-piece buckle, a cinched sash belt, gloves,
and a clutch with snakeskin trim. Enhanced with a glossary and an index, "Sewing Leather
Accessories" is a truly exceptional contribution to any needlecrafter seeking to expand their
expertise to include working with leather.

The hallmark of this third volume of outstanding recipes from the Best of Bridge editorial staff is
drawn from their folksy Foreword: "simple recipes with gourmet results". As with the first two
volumes of this culinary series, "The Complete Best of Bridge Cookbooks: Volume 3" is a spiral
bound hardcover that allows the cookbook to lay flat upon a kitchen counter or table. The recipes
are nicely organized into four main sections: Brunch and Lunch; Starters and Sides; Entrees; and
'Baddies' But Goodies. The thoroughly kitchen cook friendly recipes range from Cheddar Apple
Muffins; Papaya Avocado Salad; Mexican Black Bean Soup; and a Shrimp, Rice and Artichoke
Casserole; to Beef Tenderloin with Peppercorn Sauce; Tortellini with Three Cheeses; Chocolate
Truffle Cookies; and a Margarita Fruit Cocktail. "The Complete Best of Bridge Cookbooks:
Volume 3" is enthusiastically recommended as ideal for creating simple meal menus with
elegant, palate pleasing, and appetite satisfying results.

Compiled by Rebecca Gagnon, "The Little Book Of Home Preserving" is a compact,
pocket-sized, spiral-bound, hardcover, 160 page collection of instructions preserving seasonal
agriculture products for later use in home recipes. After an informed and informative course on
preserving basics (including safety issues), the recipes are organized into Spring, Summer,
Autumn, and Winter seasons. Profusely illustrated in full color thoroughly out, the recipes range
from Kumquat-Habaneior Marmalade; Limey Rum Sour Cherry Preserves; and Watermelon
Caynne Jelly; to Autumn Spice Pear Sauce; Figgy Conserve; Pickled Beets; and Chipotle
Mustard. Thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', "The Little Book Of Home Preserving" is especially
recommended for the novice homemakers wanting to begin making preserves for their families,
and has a great deal of value for those already experienced and familiar with home
preserving.

A side dish, sometimes referred to as a side order, side item, or simply a side, is a food item that
accompanies the entree or main course at a meal. Compiled by culinary expert Tara Mataraza
Desmond, "Choosing Sides: From Holidays to Every Day, 130 Delicious Recipes to Make the
Meal" is a beautifully and profusely illustrated, 240 page compendium showcasing 'kitchen cook
friendly' recipes for side dishes that would grace any meal, please any palate, and satisfy any
appetite. The clear, easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes range from Cinnamon Challah Muffins;
Baby Spinach with Oranges and Manchego; Ginger Honey Carrots; and Lemon Couscous with
Olives and Oven Tomatoes; to Grilled Halloumi and Eggplant with Almond Mint Pesto; Layered
Esquites Corn Salad; Baked Stuffed Mushrooms; and Caramelized Onion and Roasted Garlic
Herb Stuffing. Very highly recommended, "Choosing Sides: From Holidays to Every Day, 130
Delicious Recipes to Make the Meal" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal,
family, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Choosing Sides:
From Holidays to Every Day, 130 Delicious Recipes to Make the Meal" is also available in a
Kindle edition ($7.99).

Despite its title, No Girls Allowed Cookbook for Men is a prime pick for cooks of any gender,
skill, or experience level - provided they enjoy traditional "man food"! Recipes such as "Cheese
and Potato Soup", "Hamburger Stroganoff", "Barbecue New York Steak", "Texas Sheet Cake"
and more have several commonalities - they are all easy to prepare, given with user-friendly
directions, and sure to stroke a man's appetite! Color photography, a measurement conversion
chart, and an index round out this choice cookbook especially recommended for bachelors or any
man fending for himself in the kitchen!

The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Over last couple of decades the Catholic Church has been rocked by scandals among its priests
and bishops over issues of pedophilia and sexual misconduct. This has resulted in court
convictions and imprisonments of offending priests, and law suits by their victims that have
wreaked serious havoc on church finances. The traditional respect accorded to the Roman
Catholic priesthood has been significantly eroded in many quarters and has not been so severely
challenged since the era of the Protestant Reformation. "The Assault on Priesthood: A Biblical
and Theological Rejoinder" by Lawrence B. Porter (a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, New
Jersey and current Professor and Chair of the Department of Systematic Theology in the
Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey) is a 422
page scriptural and theological tradition based response to that challenge. Erudite,
comprehensive, compelling, "The Assault on Priesthood: A Biblical and Theological Rejoinder"
is as informed and informative, as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, making it very strongly
recommended reading for anyone concerned with the restoration of the classic place and function
of priests within the Roman Catholic tradition.

The Civil War Shelf

Torn by War: The Civil War Journal of Mary Adela Byers is the personal diary of Mary Adelia
Byers (1847-1918), which begins during the 1862 Union occupation of Batesville and closes
shortly before the war's end. (The Union occupied Batesville three times as the war progressed).
Though Byers was only fifteen when she started her diary, her writings belie her maturity and
intelligence. She speaks of the local society, survival during a crisis, "setting up" through the
night with dying soldiers, and much more. Though Torn by War is not an unbiased perspective
(Byers had lost her father when she was young, and depended on the financial support of her
uncle, a slave owner and Confederate sympathizer), it is an exceptionally memorable and worthy
contribution to Civil War shelves, particularly those with an emphasis on how ordinary people
weathered the war's hardships. Highly recommended.

The Photography Shelf

"Fearless Photographer: Travel" is a 272 page compendium written and profusely illustrated by
professional photographer to instruct aspiring photographers on how to select their destinations
and adjust to new cultures, decide on the best equipment to travel with, avoid the cliche when
finding and shooting subjects, getting and keeping organized, and storing photos for later use and
sharing. Of special note is the chapter on Shooting Wildlife. An ideal and thoroughly 'user
friendly' instruction manual, "Fearless Photographer: Travel" is strongly recommended for
photography students, as well as non-specialist general readers who would like to take truly
memorable photos of their excursions abroad. Also available in a Kindle edition ($24.49),
"Fearless Photographer: Travel" would prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community
library Photography instructional reference collections.

"Oregon Unforgettable" is a 120 page compendium showcasing the stunning full color
photography of Dennis Frates who takes as his subject matter the incredible natural beauty of
Oregon landscapes. These are images that will linger in the mind long after browsing the pages
of "Oregon Unforgettable" is concluded and this coffeetable sized pictorial is set back upon the
shelf. A master photographer with an artist's eye, Dennis Frates has done full justice to presenting
Oregon's incredible variety of 'rugged coastlines, soaring mountains, and emerald forests'. Highly
recommended for personal and community library American Photography collections, "Oregon
Unforgettable" would well serve as a template for other aspiring fine art photographers wanting
to visually record outstanding landscape images of their own!

The Biography Shelf

Lowell Thomas Jr.: Flight to Adventure, Alaska and Beyond is the high-spirited autobiography of
Lowell Thomas Jr. (b. 1923), reporter, bush pilot, fifth Lieutenant Governor of Alaska,
filmmaker, and conservationist devoted to preserving Alaska's beautiful wilderness. With the
assistance of award-winning journalist Lew Freedman, Thomas speaks of climbing an Alaskan
mountain at age sixteen, flying around the world on his honeymoon, meeting the
fourteen-year-old Dalai Lama, and much more. His lifetime of accomplishments, exploration,
and appreciation for nature's beauty make for a thoroughly engaging and inspirational true story,
highly recommended.

Edwin Vose Sumner (January 30, 1797 - March 21, 1863) was a career United States Army
officer who became a Union Army general and the oldest field commander of any Army Corps
on either side during the American Civil War. His nicknames "Bull" or "Bull Head" came both
from his great booming voice and a legend that a musket ball once bounced off his head. Sumner
fought in the Black Hawk War, with distinction in the Mexican-American War, on the Western
frontier, and in the Eastern Theater for the first half of the Civil War. He led the II Corps of the
Army of the Potomac through the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days Battles, the Maryland
Campaign, and the Battle of Fredericksburg. "General Edwin Vose Sumner, USA: A Civil War
Biography" by Thomas K. Tate is a meticulously researched and deftly written 240 page
biography that is an invaluable contribution to the growing library of Civil War studies.
Enhanced for the reading with an Epilogue, and appendix, extensive chapter notes, a substantial
bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "General Edwin Vose Sumner, USA " is a very highly
recommended and informative addition to personal, community, and academic library Civil War
Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists. It should be noted that "General
Edwin Vose Sumner" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

The Gun Shelf

The collaborative work of Silvio Calabi, Steve Helsley, and Roger Sanger, "The Gun Book for
Girls" is a 256 page compendium that provides and informed and informative instruction on guns
and shooting for young women with no prior experience with firearms. Replete with illustrative
anecdotes and examples, "The Gun Book for Girls" emphasizes the importance of gun safety and
the proper use of firearms. Of special note is the practical advice on using and maintaining a gun.
"The Gun Book for Girls" provides excellent coverage of various kinds of firearms, shooting
methods, and using guns for self protection. There is even useful coverage of clothing and
accessories for female gun enthusiasts and profiles of women who work in the gun trade and
shoot for sport, in competitions, and in their employment. Thoroughly 'user friendly',
non-political, and progressively organized, "The Gun Book for Girls" is highly recommended for
personal and community library instructional reference collections. Also very highly
recommended are two companion titles from Down East Books: "The Gun Book for Boys"
(9781608931996, $24.95 hc; $10.09 Kindle) and "The Gun Book for Parents" (9781608932016,
$14.95 hc; $7.69 Kindle).

The Architecture Shelf

Historically, a Chateau was a manor house or residence of the lord of the manor or a country
house of nobility or gentry, with or without fortifications, originally - and still most frequently -
in French-speaking regions. Most chateaus are described in English as a term for "country
house". Originally immigrating from France, the du Pont family settled in the Brandywine River
Valley of Delaware. Their first home had six rooms. One hundred years later, their largest house
had 176 rooms and thirty-six servants on 2,300 acres of land. "Chateau Country: Du Pont Estates
in the Brandywine Valley" is an intimate, informative, 272 page, stunningly illustrated portrait of
the houses built by generations of the du Pont family. The informative text is superbly enhanced
with the inclusion of full color photography of both interior and exterior images of the individual
buildings. Alphabetically presented, the profusion of individual chateaus range from Applecross,
to Greenville House, to Mount Cuba, to Owl's nest, to Xanadu. Of special note is the appendices
article 'The Siege of Guyencourt'. Enhanced with the inclusion of a glossary and a directory of du
Pont houses, a list of resources, and a comprehensive index, "Chateau Country: Du Pont Estates
in the Brandywine Valley" is highly recommended for community and academic library
American Architectural Studies collections.

"Infinite Measure: Learning to Design in Geometric Harmony with Art, Architecture, and
Nature" is a 400 page compendium in which geometer and theater designer Rachel Fletcher (New
York School of interior Design), Rachel Fletcher provides visual designers of all disciplines and
art forms with geometric methods and techniques for composing spaces and places
harmoniously. Organized into two major sections (Geometry's Shapes and Symbols &
Composing Space Plans) readers are presented with a wealth of diagrams illustrating geometric
design concepts of balance and proportion. A unique work of impressive scholarship, "Infinite
Measure: Learning to Design in Geometric Harmony with Art, Architecture, and Nature" is an
important and strongly recommended addition to professional and academic library collections,
as well as the supplemental reading lists for art and architecture students.

The Beer/Wine Shelf

Beer is an alcoholic beverage produced by the saccharification of starch and fermentation of the
resulting sugar. The starch and saccharification enzymes are often derived from malted cereal
grains, most commonly malted barley and malted wheat. Most beer is also flavoured with hops,
which add bitterness and act as a natural preservative, though other flavourings such as herbs or
fruit may occasionally be included. The preparation of beer is called brewing. Beer is the most
popular drink in the world after water and tea. A new phenomenon in America is the rise of
'boutique' beer, that is, beers made with a wide variety of ingredients and ingredient
combinations, usually by very small companies that usually have quite limited production and are
often restricted to local community consumption. Compiled with expert commentary by Ben
McFarland, "Boutique Beer: 500 Quality Craft Beers" is a 224 page compendium showcasing
five hundred examples of the very best in boutique beer production. After a succinct and
informative introduction (What Is Boutique Beer?), and an opening chapter (The Knowledge),
the beers themselves are organized into nine distinctive chapters: Quench; Lager; Hop Beers;
Grain; Old School classics; Curiosities; Sipper Beers; Wild and Wood; and Cellar Beers. Of
special note is the "Desert Island Dozen' extensive listing. Profusely illustrated throughout and
enhanced with the inclusion of a Directory and an Index of Beers, "Boutique Beer: 500 Quality
Craft Beers" is highly informative and recommended for personal, professional, community, and
academic library collections.

The Aviation Shelf

Early US Jet Fighters: Proposals, Projects and Prototypes lives up to its title with an
extraordinary wealth of detail documenting the birth of the jet engine fighter in the 1940s,
eclipsing the old piston-engined fighter. Black-and-white (and a few color) photographic images
and vintage drawings pepper virtually every page of this technical, in-depth reference, record,
and resource, covering the many planes designed for army and navy use, all-weather fighting,
interception, long range escort, and much more. A "must-have" for aviation history
collections!

An aircraft carrier is a warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering
aircraft, specifically fixed-wing, but also rotary-wingcraft, acting as a seagoing airbase. Aircraft
carriers thus allow a naval force to project airpower worldwide without having to depend on local
bases for staging aircraft operations. They have evolved from wooden vessels used to deploy
balloons to nuclear-powered warships that carry dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets,
helicopters and various others. "Wings of the Navy" by Captain Eric Brown is a 272 page
compendium showcasing the British and American military aircraft associated with naval aircraft
carriers. Each individual aircraft is shown in a period photograph accompanied by a detailed
explanatory text, line drawings, and complete schematic with all the individual parts listed and
numbered. The planes themselves range from the Fairey Swordfish, to the Blackburn Firebrand,
to the Grumman Hellcat; to the Douglas AD-4 Skyraider, to the McDonnell F-4K & FGA-1
Phantom. Informed and informative, "Wings of the Navy" is strongly recommended as a core
addition to professional, community, and academic library Aviation History and Military History
reference collections.

Adaptogens are plants that practitioners of herbal medicine claim decrease cellular sensitivity to
stress. "Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering
Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease" by clinical master herbalist and certified nutritionist Donald
R. Yance is a 672 page compendium providing the reader with a comprehensive understanding of
the role of adaptogens in human health. Organized into two major sections: 'Adaptogens: Keys to
Optimal Health' focuses on a series of health issues ranging from stress, aging, thyroid and
cardiovasuclar health to the immune system, cancer therapy, bone health, and weight
management. 'Materia Medica' is an alphabetically organized presentation ranging from Acerola
(Malpighia glabra) to Whey Protein Concentrate. Comprehensive and extensive, "Adaptogens in
Medical Herbalism" should be considered an essential and core addition to professional,
community, and academic library Alternative Medicine & Human Health reference collections. It
should be noted that "Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for
Mastering Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease" is also available in a Kindle edition
($28.78).

The American History Shelf

Award-winning nonfiction author Robert B. McKersie (Society of Sloan Fellows Professor
emeritus, MIT Sloan School of Management) presents A Decisive Decade: An Insider's View of
the Chicago Civil Rights Movement During the 1960s, an in-depth examination of how the civil
rights movement transformed the Windy City, and its legacy for America as a whole. Chapters
meticulously reconstruct key historical events, from Tim Black and the Motorola Campaign to
the many marches of spring and summer 1965, to the campaign for open housing, to how the
movement ultimately wound down with the decade, though efforts continue particularly in the
university and the Unitarian church. A handful of black-and-white photographs, notes, and an
index round out this meticulous, exhaustively researched and accessibly presented chronicle,
ideal for American History or Social Issues collections.

The Sports Shelf

Yoga for Runners is a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide to using yoga stretches to help one's
body rise to the challenges of running, from sprints to marathons. Step-by-step instructions with
black-and-white photographs of poses demonstrate this basic program to promote strength and
flexibility, reduce aches and pains, and improve one's performance while minimizing the risk of
injury. Accessible, user-friendly, and relying on no expensive equipment (just a floor mat and/or
a simple chair), Yoga for Runners is enthusiastically recommended for anyone who loves to
practice any sports or fitness activity with plenty of running involved!

Spitballing: The Baseball Days of Long Bob Ewing is an in-depth biography of George Lemuel
"Bob" Ewing (1873 - 1947), a baseball player in the majors from 1902-1912, and a pitcher for
consistent winner teams including the Philadelphia Nationals, the Cincinnati Reds, and the St.
Louis Cardinals. A scattering of vintage black-and-white photographs enhances this intimate
portrait of not only Ewing's life and sports career, but also sport of baseball as it was played over
one hundred years ago. Vignettes come alive in this thoroughly accessible life story, highly
recommended especially for baseball enthusiasts.

Veteran journalist and sportswriter Lew Freedman presents The 50 Greatest Players in Boston
Red Sox History, a survey of the Boston team's most outstanding individuals of its storied
112-year history. A few pages and sometimes a black-and-white photograph are dedicated to
each spotlighted individual, touching on their origins and the most outstanding moments of their
careers. An excellent, reader-friendly browse for Red Sox fans and baseball trivia buffs!

Now with a new introduction for its 2013 edition, New York City Baseball: The Golden Age
1947-1957 explores the post-World War II heyday for baseball in New York, including the
rivalries of the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers. Rare interviews with the baseball stars of
the era - including Monte Irvin, Mel Allen, Duke Snider, Phil Rizzuto, and many more - pepper
this "must-have" for baseball history enthusiasts and armchair time-travelers. Highly
recommended!

The Fiction Shelf

Set in 1845 Trinidad, As Flies to Whatless Boys is an original novel about a doomed British
voyage, from the perspective of a young boy blinded by its utopian dream. Erratic engineer John
Adolphus Etzler believes that his mechanical invention will revolutionize humanity, and
organizes the Tropical Emigration Society of London citizens to form a proto-socialist
community. But the remote Trinidad swamp he has chosen is an unforgiving place, that ravages
its would-be colonists with the deadly "Black Vomit" plague. The teenaged Willy is one of
Etzler's dedicated followers; on the sea voyage he falls in love with a noblewoman who can't
speak; they communicate through writing. Fortunately, she is not part of Willy's high-minded yet
survival-impaired expedition. When Willy's father contracts the dread disease, Willy, their
African helpmate John, and two Warrahoon Indians labor to carry the sick man through jungle
and mountains. A bittersweet coming-of-age tale of tragedy, chicanery, high ideals, harsh
realities, and the hard choice between love and family duty, As Flies to Whatless Boys is highly
recommended.

The Memoir Shelf

The Lightkeeper: A Memoir is the wistful recollections of author Gerald Butler, one of Ireland's
last lightkeepers before its lighthouses were fully automated in the 1990's. During his twenty-one
years of service, Butler worked at the lighthouses of Bull Rock, Mizen Head, the Old Head of
Kinsale, and Fastnet Rock. His true stories include tales of crews battling the elements in a fight
for survival, and a detailed, eyewitness recollection of the 1979 Fastnet yacht race of 3,000
competitors; when a deadly storm surprised the racers, over 4,000 rescuers labored to save lives.
An extraordinary glimpse into both the daily life and the crisis moments of a storied profession,
The Lightkeeper is an excellent choice for public library memoir collections and personal reading
lists.

The Autism Shelf

My Book Full of Feelings: How to Control and React to the Size of Your Emotions is an
interactive workbook with laminated pages that can be written in with dry-erase marker, then
wiped clean for new writings on a different day. Though designed especially to be helpful for
children with autism and Asperger's, My Book Full of Feelings is a valuable tool for working
with any child. Colorful tabs and cartoony faces correspond with different strong emotions -
"Happy", "Sad", "Angry", "Calm", "Worried", and "Frustrated" - and the dry-erase pages allow a
child to write down things that make him or her feel the emotion, as well as coping strategies for
dealing with it. For example, a sample coping strategy for dealing with the medium-sized Worry
of "Going somewhere I have never been" is "ASK: 'What is it like there?' or 'How will it go?'"
Paper tear-out home-school collaborative worksheets round out excellent, easy-to-use resource
for parents and professionals.

The Health/Medicine Shelf

Simple Qigong Exercises for Health is a beginner-friendly guide to learning qigong (chi kung),
an ancient Chinese system of breathing, stretching, and strength-building movements that make
an excellent supplement to any exercise regimen. Black-and-white photographs and diagrams
demonstrate the proper postures and poses, complemented by easy-to-follow instructions.
Anecdotes drawn from Chinese history, translations of classic Chinese poetry, and discussion of
the principles behind qigong round out this handy, compact guide to exercises that have
benefitted practitioners for over 1,000 years. Highly recommended!

The Relationship Shelf

X that Ex: Making a Clean Break When the Relationship is Over lives up to its title as a self-help
guide to resolutely ending a harmful relationship (marriage, dating, or even a friendship gone
sour). Though written especially for women struggling to free themselves from abusive,
manipulative, thieving, or even violent partners, the strategies and wisdom of X that Ex will also
prove useful to men trying to break from a toxic significant other. Domestic violence specialist
Kristin E. Carmichael identifies and clarifies the emotional manipulation techniques common to
bad exes everywhere, as well as ways in which people sabotage themselves when trying to leave
a bad relationship. In addition to the psychological insights, X that Ex also offers information on
domestic violence hotlines and other resources created to help women in the most dire trouble.
Highly recommended.

The Wisconsin Shelf

One Small Farm: Photographs of a Wisconsin Way of Life
Craig Schreiner, author/photographer
Wisconsin Historical Society Press
816 State Street, Madison, WI 53575
9780870206177, $24.95, www.wisconsinhistory.org

"One Small Farm" is a poignant collection of daily life images on an authentic small dairy farm
proudly owned and worked by the Lamberty brothers, Gordy and Jim, from the 1950's to
2012-13. Sensitive, story-telling portraits and paintings by camera are the fine specialty of
photojournalist Craig Schreiner, who was taken by the wealth and human detail of rural
evocative images found at Whistling Pines farm, near Pine Bluffs, Wisconsin. Here are multiple,
seasonal, moving photos of daily dairy farm life, starkly composed and sparsely narrated. Some
of the best pictures are of aging, arthritic hands, bent with years of daily labor. Many excellent
shots show vintage or near vintage farm machinery in use, such as a 1948 John Deere tractor.
Another photo shows the careful plaques in the barn giving the names of each dairy cow in the
herd. A touch of whimsy and humor shows in a photo of a barn cat cuddling up on a Holstein
cow's warm back at milking. Many photos show the brothers going about their chores together,
working in rhythm. Some of the photos are of Marie Lamberty, their mother, taking potatoes to a
shed to dry and helping clean out the barn after milking. The Lamberty brothers care about their
work, their animals and machines, their farm and family. Craig Schreiner has captured a time
tablet which may or may not be a passing way of life. "One Small Farm" is an experience in
reverence for daily work, thankfulness for a good life well lived.

Now in a revised edition, Wisconsin Lighthouses: A Photographic and Historical Guide is filled
with striking, full color images as well as some black-and-white vintage photographs paired with
extensive anecdotes and true tales from the people who used to work with historic lighthouses on
Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Winebago. Maps, "how to get there" directions, the
latest status reports of each location, and more round out this accessible tribute. Wisconsin
Lighthouses is a wonderful historical treasury, and an excellent giftbook for lighthouse
aficionados everywhere!